The winter storm sweeping through the Mid-Atlantic region has brought hazardous weather conditions and significant snowfall, prompting a snow emergency in Washington, D.C., and leading to widespread school closures. Tens of millions of residents across the eastern United States are currently under various weather warnings and advisories as the storm, branded as Winter Storm Blair, moves eastwards. Following its onset in the Central Plains over the weekend, the storm has caused more than 3,000 flight cancellations and broken several snowfall records.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm, which was previously active in the Midwest, is expected to deliver a mix of snow, ice, and gusty winds, with D.C. and Baltimore anticipating between 8 to 12 inches of snow. Parts of Virginia may see total accumulations ranging from 5 to 12 inches on Monday, potentially aligning with historical snowfall events such as the “Snowzilla” blizzard of 2016.

The storm's hazardous conditions have led authorities to announce a closure of federal offices in D.C., while major public school districts in the capital, Maryland, and Virginia have also suspended classes for Monday. Schools in parts of Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana are similarly impacted, as they remain closed amid the severe weather.

Travel is significantly disrupted, with the National Weather Service advising against unnecessary travel due to dangerous conditions on the roads. Airports particularly affected by the storm include those in the D.C. area, where approximately 424 departing flights and 333 incoming flights have been canceled, following more than 1,800 cancellations on Sunday.

As of Monday morning, power outages have affected tens of thousands, particularly in Virginia and Kentucky, with notable numbers reported in West Virginia, Illinois, and Missouri due to downed power lines from icy conditions.

Cumulatively, the storm’s fallout is expected to continue into Tuesday, with forecasts suggesting the potential for the coldest January conditions in the U.S. since 2011. This winter storm is set to be one of the most significant weather events for the eastern U.S. in recent years, highlighting the ongoing necessity for precautions and preparedness as severe winter weather affects logistics and daily life across numerous states.

For continued updates on the storm, visit the Forbes coverage.